Some of the learned ‘Ulama have stated that, “One should hold fast to truth. The reason is that there is nothing more powerful as a weapon than truth. It is said that truth is respect. Even though at times to speak the truth causes one to face an embarrassing moment, it must be borne in mind that lies is nothing but disgrace or a cause of eventual disgrace even though for that moment when one speaks lies, it may seem that one has achieved something good. It is also said that when a person becomes a habitual liar, even when he speaks the truth, it carries no weight. It is also said that truth is the scale of Allah Almighty on which is based justice and equality. And lies is the scale of Satan on which oppression and tyranny revolves on.”

Some learned people have stated, “If an intelligent person, due to gaining respect and stature refrains from speaking lies, then this would indeed be his greatness. Ibnus Samaak has also mentioned that he refrains from speaking lies because he naturally despises this habit.”

Ibnus Samaak’s full name is Abd bin Ahmed Abu Zarr Ansaari Herawi – may Allah be pleased with him. He was a great scholar of Hadith and considered among the authorities on Maliki Fiqh. He lived In Herat, Afghanistan and passed away at that place in 434 A.H.

The Holy Prophet – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – has stated, “Below the heavens and on earth, there is no one truthful in word (and speech) than Abu Zarr.”

Who was Abu Zarr – may Allah be pleased with him?

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Zarr’s – may Allah be pleased with him – actual name was Jandab bin Janaadah and he was from the tribe of the Bani Ghifaar. He is also considered as one of the foremost of Muslims and was unmatched in speaking the truth. During the beginning of the rule of Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Bakr – may Allah be pleased with him – he moved to Syria and settled in one of the villages. He continued to live in this little village and was considered a great Zaahid or ascetic. He also lived a very simple and ordinary life. He never kept any wealth in his house and continued to help the poor and destitute. Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Zarr – may Allah be pleased with him – also passed away in Madina Shareef. (Hayaatus Sahaabah)

This is also considered a Hasan Hadith. Imam Ahmed and Imam Tirmidi – may Allah be pleased with him – has also recorded this Hadith Shareef from Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Amar bin Aas – may Allah be pleased with him. Imam Tirmidi – may Allah be pleased with him – has also recorded from Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Zarr – may Allah be pleased with him – through many other narrators and has mentioned that this is a Sahih Hadith. One can refer to Jaami’ul Usul and JamiaSagheer by Imam Suyuti – may Allah be pleased with him.

It is reported that once Hishaam bin Malik went to visit the Khalifah Mansur. When Mansur saw him, he said, “O Abul Manzar! Do you remember that once my brother and I came to visit you and at that time you were living in the city of Rai. When we were leaving you, our father said to us, ‘I advice you sternly to be good to this person. You should remember his greatness and there will continue to be goodness in your nation as long as this person is alive.’”

However, Hishaam replied that he could not remember this incident. In fact, as a matter of principle, he made it clear that he could not remember such a great compliment even though he was standing in front of the leader of the Muslims. At the same time, he did not even fear the repercussion of what he was saying.

Some of his friends who were near him at that time also reprimanded him on how he could actually say something like this in front of the Khalifah. However, he mentioned to them that he was speaking the truth and that he certainly did not remember anything. There is no doubt that Allah Almighty has hidden great reward in speaking the truth no matter what the circumstances are.

In like manner, it is Waajib upon every Muslim to speak the truth and he should not concern himself of what people say in this regard.

Hishaam bin Urwah ibn Zubair bin Awwaam Qarashi Asadi – may Allah be pleased with him –was considered as among the leading Taaba’een of his era. His title was “Abu Manzar.” He was also considered as among the leading ‘Ulama of Madina Shareef and an authority in Hadith. He was born in Madina Shareef and then left for Baghdad Shareef. He was considered as one of the close friends of Khalifah Mansur. (‘Alaam)